Nelda Travel Diaries

Places to visit in Amsterdam on a budget-friendly trip

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for many travelers. Best known for the charming canal views that run through the city, unique history, incredible culture, lively party scene and so much more, it truly offers an unmatched experience.

Dating back to the 12th century, it grew from a small fishing village into a bustling city in the 17th century and ever since has been a major economic, cultural, and business-friendly center. By having an environmentally conscious outlook and great living conditions, Amsterdam has also been ranked highly as a city where to live, and you can certainly feel that while exploring it.

Although I found that Amsterdam isn’t a very budget-friendly destination, rather on the more expensive side, there certainly are options for travelers on a tighter budget. It is an amazing city for a weekend getaway where within two or three days you can manage to see most of it, yet the more time you have, the better the chances to explore and fully appreciate all of it without hurry. In this travel guide, I will be covering the main sights and things to do without breaking the bank but still enjoying Amsterdam to the fullest. Curious about what Amsterdam offers? Let’s dive into all the places to visit in Amsterdam on a budget-friendly trip!

De Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets district

One of the most picturesque places in Amsterdam undeniably is The Nine Streets district. Being a part of the city’s Canal Belt which was built in the 17th century and now is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers charming sights of the 17th century architecture lining the canals and the small bridges crossing the water. The district is famous for its exquisite shopping experience and remarkable selection of cafes and restaurants therefore it’s the perfect place for anyone searching for unique boutiques and delicious foods. One of the best ways to enjoy the area to the fullest is by taking a canal cruise and admiring the wondrous scenery that Amsterdam offers.

Dam Square

The town square of the city, the Dam, is one of the most popular stops while exploring Amsterdam. Located in the historical center, it hosts some remarkable sights such as the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk, 15th century Gothic church. The square also hosts the National Monument which was built in 1956 to commemorate the victims of World War II.

Dating back to 1270, Dam Square originally served as a dam on the Amstel River that the city was named after and controlled the water levels. It became an important market square where fish and other goods were sold and also the center of a city that was built around it. In the 19th century the parts of the Amstel River that surrounded the square were partially filled, resulting in a connected land on all sides of the square. Today it is a popular spot with several shopping and food options, wonderful architecture, where local events and demonstrations take place and fascinating history flows through it.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, located in Dam Square, is the official reception palace of King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands. Built in the 17th century by architect Jan van Campen during the Dutch Golden Age, it holds extraordinary classicist architecture and an outstanding interior with many notable paintings and sculptures. Originally built as a Town Hall, it was recast as a palace by King Louis Bonaparte in 1808 and still holds some remnants from that time. Nowadays the palace is open to visitors when it’s not used by the royal family, therefore it’s advised to check the availability on their official website. A full adult ticket costs 12,50 Euros and also includes an audio tour where you can learn about the palace’s history and admire the interior with the magnificent art pieces.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Dam Square

Beurspassage

Connecting two of Amsterdam’s very busy streets, Damrak and Nieuwendijk, you will find a gorgeous 19th-century passageway. Designed to honor the canals of Amsterdam, it has beautiful green and yellow colors, mosaic tiles, large chandeliers, and different artwork elements throughout the passage that represent the world around water and canals. Today’s stunning look the passageway attained only in 2016 after some renovations and was designed by three Dutch artists – Iris Roskam, Hans van Bentem, and Arno Coenen. It’s such a marvelous little place to explore in the heart of Amsterdam with unique colors, artworks, and even a few shopping and meal options.

De Poezenboot

An off-the-beaten-path stop in Amsterdam for any cat admirer is De Poezenboot or the Catboat. The animal rescue center which has been operating since 1968 is a unique place where abandoned and stray cats live on a boat and are provided with all the care and love. While a cat shelter might not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about places to visit in Amsterdam, it is such a lovely place that visitors can stop by, see some of the cats, learn about the boat’s history, and while the visit is free, you can also donate to help with the cats well being. An advanced reservation to visit the Catboat is highly recommended and you can fill in the form on their official website.

Jordaan

One of the most chic and lively neighborhoods of Amsterdam, Jordaan is one of the best places to explore in the city. Formerly a working-class neighborhood dating back to the 17th century, it now hosts an array of art museums, exciting cafes and restaurants, original boutiques and shops, as well as many entertainment options. In Jordaan, you can also find a couple of markets such as the Noordmarket with vintage items ranging from kitchenware to clothing and art pieces, as well as Westermarkt and Lindenmarkt for organic foods and delicacies. The neighborhood offers so much to see and do, it’s certainly one of the top places to visit in Amsterdam. Apart from all the attractions, you can spend some time admiring the canal views, stunning architecture and savoring the artistic character that the place is famous for.

De Hallen Amsterdam

A worthy visit in the Oud-West area of Amsterdam for anyone who loves amazing food and a unique shopping experience is De Hallen. Built between 1902 and 1928, originally it was a tram depot where the first electric trams were kept up. In 2015 the building attained its new look, becoming a very trendy shopping mall but still holding some details from the past and creating a unique look to it.

In De Hallen, you can find artistic and rare stores, a library, restaurants, a cinema, and so much more but arguably the most tempting part of the place is the Foodhallen. Being the largest food hall in Amsterdam, it has a wide variety of different high-quality street food options from various cuisines, and the atmosphere of the place is just remarkable. De Hallen also hosts many events and expositions, as well as vintage markets. For more information on events, you can visit their official website.

Anne Frank House

One of the most visited and heartbreaking places in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. The greatly celebrated diarist Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who lived in Amsterdam with her family during World War II and in a diary described life during those times. For two years, from 1942 to 1944, the family was hiding in rooms behind a bookcase that is also known as the secret annex. Today the building is a museum where you can both see the hiding place and learn more about the history of that time and also study topics such as discrimination and persecution.

Located by the Prinsengracht canal, it’s truly a must-visit place in Amsterdam where to fully immerse yourself in the story and learn more about the tragic past events. A full adult ticket costs 16 Euros and since the museum is a very popular site and a lot of tickets are booked in advance, you might not be able to get a spot even in the same month, hence it is highly recommended to look for a free spot and book online on their official website.

Vondelpark

The most popular and largest park in Amsterdam is the Vondelpark situated in the Amsterdam-Zuid borough. Covering 47 hectares, the park provides outstanding options to enjoy nature in the very busy city, observe birds and animals, admire the rose garden, attend concerts, open-air theater, and other events during the warmer months, or enjoy a meal and a drink at the local cafes, overlooking the park.

Dating back to 1865, Vondelpark earned its name in 1867 after the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel’s statue was placed in the park. Created by architect Jan David Zocher in English garden style, the park was announced as a state monument in 1996 to mark its historical and cultural importance. Vondelpark is an amazing place to go for a stroll, cycle, or do any other sports activities, and relax and enjoy the greenery, as well as the Dutch culture in the many events organized in the park.

NDSM

One of the most exciting and quirky places to visit in Amsterdam is the NDSM neighborhood in the Amsterdam-Noord borough. Created on a former industrial construction site, it dates back to 1894 when a shipyard was constructed to build and repair ships which later on became the largest shipyard in the Netherlands. The shipyard shut down in 1979 and after that, in 2009, the buildings that were left, earned national monument status.

Now the NDSM offers plenty of art and exhibition spots, places for businesses and studios, restaurants and so much more that it has become one of the most memorable places to spend time in Amsterdam. As a place where you can freely express your creativity, where old blends with new, where you can enjoy amazing events, views to the waterside, the largest flea market in Europe, and so much more, this is truly a must-visit spot in the city.

Red Light District

A completely different city experience offers De Wallen, the largest red light district in Amsterdam. Located in the city center, the district dates back to the 14th century when due to the close proximity to the harbor, many sailors were coming to the area to enjoy their time in the city. The district has gone through some risky times but now it’s generally safe to visit even in the evening hours. During the day you can enjoy charming canal views and beautiful 14th-century architecture, along with bars and coffee shops.

The Red Light district hosts about 300 room cabins where prostitutes can offer their services behind a window, however, it also offers many entertainment options such as theaters, live shows, cinemas, and different shops, as well as museums like the Erotic Museum and Red Light Secrets. While it’s controversial whether red light districts should be allowed based on alleged claims that the industry isn’t that transparent, if you decide to visit the area, be mindful of the rules there, such as no photography is allowed, and make sure to be aware of your surroundings as pickpocketing is quite common as well.

Museums

  • Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam that offers a large selection of Dutch and European artworks and quite memorable exhibitions. A full adult ticket costs 22,50 Euros and a reservation of the time of your visit must be booked beforehand on the museum’s official website. You can also join a guided tour in English and learn more about the history behind the art as well as enjoy coffee with a pastry or lunch at Het Cafe to savor the artistic ambiance to the fullest.
  • The Van Gogh Museum is a must for anyone who enjoys the artist’s work. With the largest collection of the painter’s works, you will also get an insight into the life of the artist and get a chance to see his drawings and letters, as well as different exhibitions. A full adult ticket costs 22 Euros and tickets must be booked in advance on the museum’s official website.
  • Stadsarchief Amsterdam is the largest municipal archive in the world that keeps documents regarding the history of Amsterdam for almost 750 years, covering about 50 kilometers in shelf length. With different stories, images, and data, it’s the perfect place for anyone interested in history and the city’s development. Entrance to most exhibitions is free, however, exhibitions in the Exhibition Hall cost 10 Euros which can be purchased online or at the archive’s information desk.
  • Electric Ladyland, opened in 1999, is the first museum completely dedicated to fluorescence and showcasing it through art. The museum offers a collection of minerals from different parts of the world that develop captivating colors under fluorescence. This is certainly a very unique place to visit in Amsterdam and for only a 5 Euro entrance fee.
  • For another 5 Euros, you can visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. There you can learn about the origins of tulips, how they came to be in Europe, and their impacts on Dutch culture. Tickets can be bought at the museum and no advanced reservation is necessary.
  • Embassy of the Free Mind is a fabulous place where different ideas and free thinking are present and encouraged through collections of books, a library, exhibitions, debates, lectures and so much more all about different philosophies and free thinkers. You can also find a study space that visitors can freely use for their needs. A full adult day ticket costs 15 Euros and guided tours are also available which can be booked online.
  • Stedelijk Museum is a space for modern and contemporary art and design with extraordinary exhibitions and events held frequently at the museum. A full adult ticket costs 22,50 and I believe the museum definitely should be on your list when visiting Amsterdam.
  • The National Maritime Museum offers 500 years of Dutch maritime history through ship models, paintings, navigation instruments, and much more. Displaying one of the world’s largest maritime collections, it’s truly a fascinating visit. A full adult ticket costs 18,50 Euros and can be purchased in advance online.
  • One of the most interesting museums to visit is Our Lord in the Attic Museum. In a 17th-century building, you will find well-preserved living spaces with an unexpected surprise – in the attic a real church. Constructed in 1663 in a time when practicing Catholic faith was forbidden under Protestant rule, it was a safe space for Catholics. A full adult ticket costs 16,50 Euros and advanced online booking is recommended.
  • In Amsterdam, you can also find the only museum all about microorganisms – Micropia. This is the perfect place to learn all about microbes and their effects on our daily lives, join the museum’s activities and insightful lab talks. A full adult ticket costs 17,50 and you can book your tickets on the museum’s official website.
  • In the national museum for film, Eye Film Museum, you can find a collection of more than 54000 films across various genres and get profound knowledge all about films as well as enjoy temporary exhibitions where artists explore the aspects of visual art and even attend film screenings. A full adult ticket for exhibitions costs 15 Euros and 12,50 Euros for a film screening.
  • Moco Museum is a spectacular museum displaying modern, contemporary, and street art from various well-known artists across the world. The museum is open every day all week and a full adult ticket starts from 20,95 Euros and can be purchased online on their official website.
  • STRAAT Museum is a place where you can explore and learn all about street art and graffiti from different well-known artists as well as many new talents. A full adult ticket costs 19,50 Euros and can be purchased in advance on their official website. You can also book guided tours or join workshops to learn the basics of graffiti and street art.
  • Cat Cabinet is the perfect place for any cat lover where you can enjoy art pieces such as paintings and sculptures from many famous artists depicting cats, as well as learn about the role cats have played in our culture over the past centuries. While visiting the Cat Cabinet, you will be greeted by a few furry residents, making the experience that much lovelier. A full adult ticket costs 10 Euros and can be purchased beforehand on their official website.
  • Pianola Museum offers automatic pianos with more than 40000 paper music rolls that will keep you amazed with the unique sounds. The museum also organizes concerts and events with different styles of music and art forms. The Pianola Museum is open every day of the week and tickets can be bought at the museum.
  • Fashion for Good is an amazing and eye-opening museum to visit where you can learn where your clothes come from and what innovative ideas can make the industry more sustainable. Being the world’s only museum for sustainable fashion, it’s truly worth the visit. A full adult ticket costs 10 Euros and you can also book guided tours on the museum’s official website.

Final thoughts

I have visited the city twice, the first time in the summer of 2020 and it also happened to be one of my first solo trip destinations. After visiting Amsterdam during the autumn of 2023, I can agree that it’s truly one of the best cities to visit and experience all the beauty and culture it offers, however, it’s also important to choose the best time. While summers can get crowded, it’s also the perfect time weather-wise with a lot of sunshine and warm days. Alternatively, you can visit in early autumn or late spring but I would suggest being careful if visiting during winter – you can get a lot of rainy, windy, cold, and dark days that can impact the ability to enjoy all the activities outside. Despite that, the city in all seasons is a wonderful destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Make sure to read my other blog posts about different destinations in the Netherlands and have a memorable time in the small yet fascinating country!

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